The AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews has proven to be a challenging test, with World No. 1 Nelly Korda leading the way at eight under par after 36 holes. She is three strokes ahead of defending champion Lilia Vu and last year’s runner-up, Charley Hull. Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko and 2022 Muifield champion Ashleigh Buhai are also in contention, another two shots back. Ko praised the high level of play from the leaderboard and highlighted the excitement when players from different countries are in contention.
Korda has been the standout player so far, with only one dropped shot in her two rounds and nine birdies on her scorecards. Despite challenging conditions, including strong winds and heavy showers, she has displayed exceptional shot-making and putting skills. She closed out her second round with a birdie on the par-4 ninth, showcasing her strong form heading into the weekend. Korda’s recent performances have been inconsistent, with three missed cuts in major championships, but she has found her rhythm at St. Andrews.
Korda’s ability to adapt to the unpredictable weather conditions at St. Andrews has been crucial to her success. She recently added a new TaylorMade Spider putter to her bag, contributing to her improved putting performance. Korda emphasized the importance of staying positive and learning from setbacks, which has helped her bounce back from earlier disappointments this season. She highlighted her ability to adapt to different grasses, conditions, and courses throughout the year.
Despite Korda’s strong play, putting remains a key factor in success at St. Andrews. Charley Hull noted the six-shot difference in putts between her and Korda in the second round, emphasizing the importance of making putts on the challenging greens. Korda’s ability to hole key putts has set her apart from the field, with Hull acknowledging her strong putting performance. The leaderboard remains tight, with players like Lilia Vu known for their resilience in tough conditions.
Korda’s success can be attributed to her well-rounded game, including her creative shot-making and strong putting. She has embraced the challenge of links golf, adjusting her game to suit the unique demands of St. Andrews. Her experience on different courses and in varied conditions has prepared her for the unpredictable nature of links golf. Korda’s positive mindset and willingness to learn from setbacks have been key factors in her success this week.
As the tournament progresses, Korda remains the player to beat, with her consistent performance and strong putting giving her an edge over the field. The challenging conditions at St. Andrews have tested the players’ abilities, with adaptability and solid putting becoming critical factors in determining the winner. With the leaderboard crowded with talented players, including past champions and rising stars, the AIG Women’s Open promises an exciting finish. Korda’s determination and skill will be put to the test in the final rounds as she aims to secure victory at the iconic Old Course.
